The M-Audio Axiom 49 controller combines all the production power and performance you need to get the most from your music software and MIDI gear. More than just a data entry controller, the Axiom 49 features piano-style, semi-weighted keys for a musically satisfying playing experience. Large dynamic trigger pads make it easy to program beats and trigger one-shot samples—while the encoder knobs, faders, and buttons deliver complete realtime control over your software. DirectLink mode provides easy, automatic access to common DAW functions including transport, mixer, track pan, and virtual instrument parameters—no complicated setup required. Axiom 49 also features a sleek, angled top panel for easy viewing in any environment.

Serious Production PowerWhen inspiration strikes, you need a keyboard controller that can translate ideas into killer tracks. That's why Axiom 49 is equipped with an ultra-expressive semi-weighted keyboard and 8 Trigger Finger pads for programming beats with incredible feel. Automatically map Axiom 49 to your DAW with DirectLink—or delve deeper by assigning the pads, encoders, and fader to whatever controls you wish. Each controller can map to just about any MIDI message available, along with independent channel addressing for each. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

Axiom Instrument ModeWith other MIDI keyboards, assigning controls to virtual instruments has never been easy. Now thanks to the Axiom 49 controller's new Instrument mode, a single button instantly maps the fader, buttons, and encoders to any virtual instrument inside your DirectLink-compatible host*. You get direct access to synthesis parameters such as filter cutoff, LFO rate, and envelope settings—without having to manually configure anything. It's almost like turning Axiom 49 into a dedicated hardware synth.

Intuitive DesignWhether you're on stage or in the studio, your keyboard controller should fuel your creativity—providing all the right information and controls at your fingertips. That's why we designed Axiom 49 with a sleek angled top panel for easier viewing of the display and improved ergonomics. Smooth rotary encoders deliver precise, continuously variable parameter changes, giving you a hands-on feel for the mix. The backlit LCD screen provides informative feedback from DAW hosts, including on-screen display of parameters, settings, and track/VI names. It all adds up to intuitive control over your MIDI software and hardware.

Mobile OperationThe Axiom series is extremely compact and lightweight and all models are powered directly from your computer's USB bus. Choose the size that's best for your needs, then take your music anywhere you want to go.

This is a great keyboard. I use it with CronoX 4 VST and the key action is wonderful. My primary DAW is Studio One Pro 2 and although Presonus doesn't support DirectLink, I've been able to map the transport controls and faders to it.

We're also planning on using it as a live keyboard connected to a notebook.

It feels very solid. All knobs and faders feel good and as mentioned before, the key action is tight and responsive. It looks, feels, and performs at a professional level.

I looked at several keyboard controllers before settling in on this one. Considering buid wuality and price I think it is a great buy.

I bought this unit and thought I can have most of the control as Motif keyboards with Motif Rack unit.

This controller can only control CC's and there are only handful of CC controls. I really needed to control the volume of each parts with faders but the CC's are not sufficient to control. You need 'SysEx' Control to fully control just about anything. Well this doesn't have that feature. If you want to really control a rack unit like its original keyboard, try Novation SL MKII. As they can configure each controls with SysEX syntax.

If your need was only for DAW, this is a very good unit. But still somewhat difficult to configure.

to be a bit more fair (after the echoes of profanity have dispersed) this is actually not that bad of a product. i've read reviews of ppl saying other keyboards were built feeling cheap. i Will say this keyboard is built pretty dam sturdy. the keys feel great, always even responce, the knobs n sliders (once u manage to preset them) work nicely to and are built well. the pads WHEN WORKING are very sensitive.however, the cons previously listed still stand strong. if u get this, get the diod fixed, and don't try midi yoke-ing around with it cuz its not built for that type of innovative shyt n youll blow ur pads (why for the love of god i dont know but it just does, atleast for me) so thats why im heated about it. whatever though, this as my keys/knobs and an akai mpd on the side should do the trick. would've been nice to have it all in 1package though as intended. life is full of workarounds.

i was looking for a simple midi control center, with semi-weighted keys to give me that piano-ish feel, and pads for my beats, so i got this VS the akai mpk because of the price differential. MY LOSS. 1st off, the 1st generation of this series has a KNOWN PROBLEM by m-audio they won't tell you about, nor do they attempt to recall any of their products to fix: in a matter of time, one day this device's screen will go blank, and fail to register midi. problem: the midi diod was built like crap, n needs to be replaced. you hope this happens under warrenty, otherwise it'll cost for the repair(#1).secondly, if ever you'd like to use midi yoke, or midi translator programs, expect that your pads will suddenly stop working. This happened to me twice, the 1st time, i took it in to repair, they fixed it with no explanation why it happened. I took it back home, used it with my progz, a week later (last night) pads died out again. Thank god i don't go live with this. Conclusion: buy the akai mpk instead. it costs a bit more, but will save you time, money, and headaches in the end. the "new generation" is way over-priced for a color change/bugg fix that shoulda been done in the first place.

As the title says, I am new to midi. I initially bought the first Axiom 49, but didn't want to spend forever learning to map and all the tech stuff just yet. This integrated great with Logic 9, and I'm nuts deep in sounds that I couldn't get before. I love this big hunka-hunk of tough plastic. Seems well built, I don't anticipate problems. M-Audio did well. Thanks!